Ugandans deserve the best international higher education, health care—Aga Khan

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His Highness Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V says the investment in the Aga Khan University (AKU)’s new academic and student housing facilities, together with its hospital, embody the belief of his late father, which he shares.

“Ugandans deserve the very best access to international quality higher education and health care,” he said in a speech he read before President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Mrs Janet Museveni on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the inauguration of AKU’s academic facilities and the commencement ceremony for Aga Khan University Hospital in Nakawa, Kampala city.

The Aga Khan V (Prince Rahim) is a religious leader, businessman and socialite, best known as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Nizari Ismaili Muslims who claim descent from Prophet Muhammad through his daughter, Fatima, and his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.

President Yoweri Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni waving to the crowd after commissioning of the Aga Khan University new premises and groundbreaking the construction of the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nakawa, Kampala. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

He succeeded his father, Shah Karim al-Husseini, known as the Aga Khan IV, in February this year. He made his first official two-day visit to Uganda from September 10 to 12, 2025, at the invitation of President Museveni.

“It is a great pleasure for me to join you in celebrating this milestone in the history of the Aga Khan University, and our partnership with the Government of Uganda,” he said. He was accompanied by his sister, Zahra and brother Aly.

“I would like to begin by conveying my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency, President Museveni, for providing the university with an exceptional site for its campus, and for your steadfast vision and enduring support for this project. I also express my heartfelt appreciation for the enabling environment that the Government of Uganda has created for the Aga Khan Development Network,” his speech reads in parts.

President Yoweri Museveni decorating the Aga Khan with the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Master). The decoration recognises the Aga Khan’s distinguished services to the nation and his leadership in advancing social and economic development. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

He explains that the decades-long partnership between the Government of Uganda and the Ismaili Imamat has enabled their institutions to help improve the quality of life for all Ugandans across the country.

This, he explains, goes across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, banking, insurance, energy, hospitality, and manufacturing. “We are deeply grateful for your support,” he states, adding that the University’s campuses across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda create an integrated system to share knowledge and expertise, and allow the mobility of faculty and students across the region.

He has a belief that their commitment to international standards of excellence will bring transformational impact to Uganda and the region.

President Yoweri Museveni decorating the Aga Khan with the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Master). The decoration recognises the Aga Khan’s distinguished services to the nation and his leadership in advancing social and economic development. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

The Aga Khan says that poor-quality healthcare costs as many lives as lack of access to care.

 “Moreover, despite spending years in school, countless young people acquire only a fraction of the knowledge and skills they are meant to. Poor health and limited education rob individuals of their potential,” he explains, adding that at AKU campus, the University will invest in developing the potential of Ugandans.

“My hope is that ambitious young people and skilled professionals will not need to leave their home country to study or practice at the highest level. And many Ugandans will not have to travel abroad to obtain advanced health care”.

At the ceremony, the President conferred the Aga Khan with the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Master), Uganda’s highest civilian honour by the head of state.

President Yoweri Museveni handing over an award after decorating the Aga Khan with the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Master). The decoration recognises the Aga Khan’s distinguished services to the nation and his leadership in advancing social and economic development. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

The decoration recognises the Aga Khan’s distinguished services to the nation and his leadership in advancing social and economic development.

The President also honoured Princess Zahra Aga Khan with the Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa (Grand Commander) in recognition of her long-standing contributions to health, education and women’s empowerment.